Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 24, 1994                   TAG: 9403240251
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: E-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

CENTER TO OPEN IN VINTON FOR HOMEBOUND ELDERLY

The church congregation recently approved the use of a former bank building it owns for the limited care facility.

The Rev. David Elks, a church staff member, said neither specific details of operation nor date of opening have been determined, but "the congregation is excited about this new form of service."

A survey of the congregation revealed that more than 40 people are willing to give their time to staff the center, he said.

Elks also noted that other churches in Vinton have registered support for the facility.

For now, the center will not be licensed, but a license may be sought later, Elks said. Licensure allows such a center to apply for Medicare/Medicaid.

Plans call for the center to be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Friday nights from 6 to 9:30. Lunch will be included in the daily fee of $20, Elks said.

A respite center allows homebound elderly people to enjoy some social activity and gives those who care for them an opportunity to get out of the home.